It’s a given that you should never use products like human hair dye or paint on your dog, but what about spray paints formulated for dogs? There isn’t much information out there on this topic, but if you’re using pet-safe, non-toxic spray paint on your dog’s fur and adhere to the application instructions, these kinds of products shouldn’t cause your dog physical harm.
That said, ask yourself whether applying spray paint—no matter how pet-safe it is—is really a good idea for your dog. Let’s explore this further.
Should I Use Dog-Safe Spray Paint?
Dog lovers are divided when it comes to products like doggy dyes, spray paints, paint pens, and chalks. While some are against it, others think it’s a harmless bit of fun as long as the product doesn’t harm the dog or cause them distress in any way.
To decide whether this is something you want to do, you’ll need to think about your dog’s safety and welfare above everything else. Every dog is different, so there are various factors to consider.
Factors to Consider
First of all, if you’ve decided to use spray paint on your dog for whatever reason, make sure it’s formulated specifically for dogs, is temporary rather than permanent, washes off easily, and is labeled non-toxic and pet-friendly.
Once you’re satisfied the product you plan to use won’t harm your dog, you then need to consider how your dog will feel about the situation. While some dogs are really chilled out and wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the sight or sound of a spray can, others can get really stressed out by this kind of thing.
If you think spray painting could cause stress to your dog, then you should definitely not do it. However cute you think your dog may look in the end, frightening them is simply not worth it and could be damaging to the bond of trust you share with your dog.
Finally, bear in mind that some dogs have sensitive skin. If your dog has a history of skin allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to avoid using dog spray paint altogether. Even if it’s formulated for dogs, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will suit every dog’s skin type.
Can I Use Human Products on My Dog’s Coat?
No. Human hair dyes, paints, or any other products not designed specifically for dogs are not safe to use on dogs. These contain chemicals that can be dangerous to dogs, for example, the bleach in hair dye could cause skin irritation, sores, excessive shedding, and even chemical burns.
Even seemingly harmless products like shampoo should not be used on dogs unless it’s formulated for use on dogs because a dog’s skin has fewer cell layers than a human’s skin does, so is especially vulnerable to being irritated by ingredients that would be fine for a human.
In addition, a dog’s skin is less acidic than ours, so human shampoo could upset that delicate pH balance. Dryness, itchiness, infections, and inflammation are a few of the possible consequences of using human shampoos on dogs.
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Safety Tips
- Check for a label that confirms the product is safe for dogs.
- Avoid spraying the eyes, nose, mouth, or in the ears.
- To be on the safe side, avoid using these kinds of products on dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Check the skin in the area before applying, if there are any sores or cuts don’t use the spray.
- Don’t continue if your dog shows signs of stress.
Final Thoughts
On a final note, if you really want to use dog-safe spray paint but think your dog will be stressed out by it, dog-safe paint pens and chalks are alternative options to consider. These don’t make any noise, so are much less likely to scare your dog.
Always put your dog’s safety and welfare at the forefront when it comes to using these kinds of products.
Featured Image Credit: dimbar76, Shutterstock
